2026 Maine Tourism Award Winners
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding leaders, businesses, and organizations whose innovation, hospitality, stewardship, and dedication continue to strengthen Maine’s tourism industry. Your work helps showcase the very best of Maine and inspires visitors from near and far.
Join us at the Maine Tourism Awards Ceremony
The Maine Tourism Awards Ceremony will take place at the Maine Tourism Conference on Tuesday, April 28 at 4:45pm.
Tickets include the Tourism Awards ceremony and welcome reception only. View full agenda here.
About the 2026 Maine Tourism Award Winners
LEADERSHIP & GROWTH AWARD
The Maine Maritime Museum invites visitors to explore Maine’s deep-rooted maritime heritage through engaging exhibits, historic shipyard preservation, and on-the-water experiences. In 2025, the museum saw attendance grow by an impressive 40%, highlighting its expanding reach and impact. Beyond its campus, the museum serves as a driving force in Maine’s tourism industry, building and fostering partnerships, and continually reinvesting in its programs and facilities. Through its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth, the Maine Maritime Museum truly embodies the spirit of this year’s Leadership & Growth Award.
RISING STAR AWARD
Lady Oyster Tours is Maine’s first independent oyster food tour, offering visitors immersive experiences that blend farm visits, boat cruises, shucking lessons, and culinary tastings. Known for innovative programming, sustainable practices, and engaging storytelling, Lady Oyster has earned glowing guest reviews and the 2025 World Food Travel Association award for Best Rural Culinary Heritage Experience. By raising the bar for culinary tourism in Maine, Lady Oyster Tours is a deserving recipient of this year’s Rising Star Award.
STEWARDSHIP AWARD
The LoveMaineWaters Coalition, in partnership with Maine Sea Grant, promotes safe and responsible boating along Maine’s coast. Through educational resources, videos, and outreach, they teach boaters to protect waterways, navigate around lobster gear, and respect local ecosystems. By connecting visitors with Maine’s coastal resources while supporting fisheries and tourism, they ensure a positive impact on both the community and the environment, making them deserving recipients of this year’s Stewardship Award.”
WELCOMEME AWARD
Scott and Laurie LaFleur have set a high standard for hospitality through their leadership of the Best Western Caribou Inn. Since 2016, they have transformed the former Caribou Inn into Northern Maine’s premier hotel, supporting tourism, local events, and workforce travel. Known for personalized service and local insights, they turn every visit into a memorable experience. Beyond their hotel, they actively give back to the community through volunteer work, tourism leadership, and local engagement, making them deserving recipients of this year’s WelcomeME Award.
MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM - GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR TOURISM EXCELLENCE
Marianne and Stuart Smith are visionary leaders whose lifelong commitment to Midcoast Maine has shaped both outdoor recreation and hospitality in the region. From founding Maine Sport Outfitters in 1976 to opening iconic properties like the Lord Camden Inn, Grand Harbor Inn, 16 Bay View, and the Rockport Harbor Hotel, they have consistently combined business excellence with authentic Maine experiences. Their work showcases the state’s natural beauty, supports employees and local communities, and elevates Maine hospitality, making them deserving recipients of the Governor’s Award for Tourism Excellence.
MAINE TOURISM ASSOCIATION - HALL OF FAME AWARD
Dr. Lee Speronis of Husson University is being inducted into the Maine Tourism Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding leadership and long-standing contributions to Maine’s tourism industry. Through decades of dedication, mentorship, and professional excellence, Dr. Speronis has shaped the education and development of future tourism leaders, advanced industry knowledge, and supported the growth of Maine’s tourism community. His commitment and impact make him a deserving honoree in this year’s Hall of Fame Award.
2026 Maine Tourism Award Categories
RISING STAR AWARD
This person or business is new to Maine’s tourism industry and has earned recognition for their own professional growth or for advancing the success of their business/organization and raising the bar for tourism in Maine. Accomplishments can include, but are not limited to the following:
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Product development or marketing
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Use of new technology
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Adapting business practices to leverage travel and tourism trends
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Creation of innovative collaborations or partnerships
LEADERSHIP & GROWTH AWARD
This company/organization/person not only strives to grow its own business, but also works with others within the industry to grow tourism in Maine in a sustainable way. Accomplishments can include, but are not limited to the following:
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Local, regional and statewide tourism initiatives
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Builds partnerships and collaborations
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Job creation
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Reinvests in tourism through upgrades and expansions
STEWARDSHIP AWARD
This company/organization/community is promoting tourism in a way that supports the triple bottom line of economy, environment and community, and the sustainable growth of tourism in their destination. Initiatives can include, but are not limited to the following:
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Showcasing Maine’s local makers, artists and food producers
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Marketing and PR that responsibly promotes the cultural identity of Maine communities
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Encouraging responsible behaviors that protect Maine’s cultural & natural environment
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Programs that connect Maine’s cultural and natural assets
WELCOMEME AWARD
This person has set a standard for exemplary customer service as a member of Maine’s tourism front-line workforce. Examples can include but are not limited to:
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Empowering visitors to explore more of Maine
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Acting as an ambassador for their destination
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Improving the visitor experience
MAINE TOURISM ASSOCIATION - HALL OF FAME AWARD
Maine Tourism Association’s Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals or groups of people who through their leadership, dedication, and professionalism, have made significant and sustained contributions to the tourism industry in Maine. Every year one member from the Association is chosen to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, this year at the Maine Tourism Conference awards reception.
*Nominations must be a member of the Maine Tourism Association
MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM - GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR TOURISM EXCELLENCE
Tourism excellence is a combination of all that epitomizes a true hospitality leader – a business, organization or person with a steadfast commitment to employees, customers and community as well as to the tourism industry in Maine overall. Please provide as much detail as possible in each of those areas.